Day 16: Jesus, You Change Me

Today was a big day. I just returned from paying tribute to one of our women leaders, Shirley Baker, at her memorial service. What a privilege. I think the thing that stood out for me the most was her amazing family – her husband, their children, and grandchildren – all faithfully standing strong for the Lord. What an influence Shirley was among so many. I loved being in that blessed assembly of believers.

Now I’m back home, and thinking about all the Lord has taught me recently about Himself. I’ve been reflecting on this journey. And here’s what stands out to me the most today. When you meet the Lord Jesus, you are changed. You can’t possibly stay as you are when you are in His company, and have entered into a relationship with Him. He takes you on as His own, and He transforms your heart, making you the man or woman He wants you to be.

I read about Jacob this morning. Once he met the Lord, his name changed from Jacob (can mean deceiver) to Israel (he strives with God). I love the wrestling match that took place, for I am overwhelmed that God would even wrestle. He could have defeated Jacob with just a breath, but wrestled with him. Why? I think it was so Jacob could catch just a glimpse of his great God, and come in contact with His power. Once he truly saw God and felt His strength and power, Jacob could never be the same. And he wasn’t. God touched his hip and he limped the rest of his life – a great reminder of God’s power and his weakness. I love the words of Hebrews 11:21 in the hall of fame of faith. They describe Jacob “bowing in worship over the head of his staff”. The NASB says that he was “leaning on the top of his staff.” What a picture of the dramatic change in Jacob (Israel). No longer conniving and manipulating, he was wholeheartedly dependent on his Lord.

In the NT today, I read the words of Jesus for John the Baptist, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11: 5-6). Just think about all those people whose lives were never the same! They were changed forever by the Lord. And then Jesus prayed, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.” We’re like babes, needy and hungry, waiting for our Lord. And He comes our way, brings us into a relationship with Himself, and transforms our lives.

The last words I read today in my quiet time were some of my favorite in the Bible – Matthew 11:28-30. This is one of those big invitations of Jesus. And again, you see the change He brings into our hearts and lives. He invites us to come to Him when we are weary and heavy laden. What change does He bring to our hearts? He gives rest for our souls. That’s a change the entire world would love to experience – soul rest. Soul rest is that deep heart rest bringing peace and contentment. I think of sheep able to lie down because the shepherd is near. Only Jesus can effect such a transformation, bringing rest to a turbulent and weary soul. And when you experience His rest, you have been transformed indeed.

My Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for changing me as You and I continue on in this journey of life on earth. Just to know You makes me different. And I thank You for the promise of rest for my soul. Today, I pray that you will renew my heart and revive my spirit. Thank You that times of refreshing come from Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.